SUMMARY: Having halitosis doesn't just negatively affect others. It can hurt your own quality of life (QOL). Anyway, that is the conclusion of a study, recently published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, that followed the daily lifestyle of a man with extremely bad breath.

Posted: August 22, 2011

Having halitosis doesn't just negatively affect others. It can hurt your own quality of life (QOL). Anyway, that is the conclusion of a study, recently published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, that followed the daily lifestyle of a man with extremely bad breath.

The subject of the case report, a 34-year-old Dutchman with severe periodontitis and powerful oral odor, was admitted with such poor dental health that the authors recommended that he consider having his teeth extracted and getting dentures.

Scientists then conducted a series of interviews and instructional sessions designed to measure the man's oral health-related QOL and to teach him to take better care of his teeth and gums.

After three months, researchers noted that the man had a better attitude toward brushing and flossing, looked visibly happier and had reduced his halitosis. They concluded that while extreme bad breath can worsen a person's QOL, simple steps may be taken to improve both oral odor and attitude.